"Testimony favors 60-bed long term care facility at Sister Bay" from the April 20, 1978 Door County Advocate
By LINDA ADAMS
Testimony favors 60-bed long term care facility at Sister Bay
By LINDA ADAMS
The Door County Health Systems Agency gave its approval Wednesday night to a proposal by SCAND, Inc., to build a 60-bed long term care facility at the Scandia Village project site in Sister Bay.
After hearing favorable testimony by SCAND board members and an explanation of the project from John Harding, president of the board, the HSA members voted to recommend to the Northeastern Wisconsin Health Systems Agency (NEWHSA) review board that the project be OK'd because of the need for this type of facility in northern Door county.
A public hearing on the application is set for 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Apr. 27 in the NEWHSA conference room, 828 Cherry St., Green Bay.
The HSA board agreed that the proposed nursing center would not conflict with areawide plans or plan elements; that the proposal would not duplicate or conflict with present county services; that the proposed capital expenditure is feasible and can be accommodated in the patient charge structure of the health care facility and finally, that the project will foster improved quality of care.
The HSA members were not in complete agreement on staffing. It was pointed out that several of the health institutions in the county at this time are having difficulty maintaining adequate (nursing) staff and some on the HSA board expressed concern that a new nursing facility would take staff away from the present institutions.
The 60 bed long-term care facility is only a portion of the $3 million SCAND proposal for development of a full-service retirement center in Sister Bay. The retirement center would provide 50 apartment units in addition to the nursing home. The proposed long-term care portion would be licensed as a skilled nursing facility.
In discussing the history of the project Harding told the 40 persons present that planning began four years ago with a survey by John Kahlert showing needs of the elderly in Door county.
Harding pointed out that one of the main concerns of senior citizens is being able to remain in their homes and still have access to supportive services. The project would provide elderly individuals and couples residing in the apartment units the opportunity to preserve independence with services such as housekeeping, maintenance, social and recreational programming and health care.
The SCAND board feels the long-term care facility would assure that appropriate and conveniently located long-term care beds would be available when needed by residents of the retirement apartments. The facility would also provide citizens of Door county with skilled and intermediate nursing services which are greatly needed in northern Door at this time.
While allowing that there might be a problem with staffing Harding pointed out that the proposed facility would not require a large professional staff as nursing assistants would be able to handle much of the work. He also said he has received several letters from qualified nurses and an occupational therapist saying they were interested in joining the staff.
Lawrence Daubner, chairman of the town of Liberty Grove, told those present, "More and more need for a facility such as this has been demonstrated as the years progress because of the influx of a great many older people to Door county."
Jim Champeau, president of the Village of Sister Bay, told HSA committee members "Definitely there is a need for such a retirement center. It will enhance the economic and employment situation in northern Door as well as offer needed services for the elderly."
The center would have a $375,000 annual payroll.
It was emphasized that the nursing home care would be available to all citizens of Door county, not just residents of the retirement center.
E. B. Mickelson, administrator of the Door County Memorial hospital where there is an extended care facility, and Mary Dettman, Dorchester Nursing Home administrator, both indicated that a northern nursing home facility is needed and would not conflict with services offered by their institutions.
The proposed nursing unit is projected to employ two registered nurses and 3.5 full-time equivalent licensed practical nurses when fully operational. Dr. A. A. Drescher has said he will act as medical director for the nursing home facility and Pete Oleson of Bunda Drugs will provide for drug needs as required, Harding said.
A State survey has shown Door county is short 98 long-term care beds. Persons not able to find space are forced to go out of the county for health care. Dettman said the Dorchester always has a waiting list of 30-35 persons.
Another important aspect of the project discussed was the proximity of the new Nor-Dor Medical Center to the retirement village. Around July the Nor-Dor facility will be moved to a site adjacent to the Scandia village project and two new wings will be added. The Medical Center is staffed at this time by Dr. Jon Kordon, dentist; Dr. Donn Kleinschmidt, DDS; Dr. A.A. Drescher, eye-ear-nose-throat specialist and Michael Flood, nurse clinician. In July Internists Dr. Joann Traver and Dr. Thomas Steed will join the staff. In addition physicians at the Nor-Dor facility will also be able to confer with the 14 physicians at the Door County Medical Center, Sturgeon Bay.
If the NEWHSA Review Board gives approval the SCAND proposal will then go to the NEWHSA Board of Directors and from there to the State of Wisconsin for final approval. Ted Bauch, HSA advisory member, will represent the Door County HSA at the public hearing.
Courtesy of the Door County Library Newspaper Archive
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